How it works
How a polyurea roof gets done right.
A polyurea roof is only as good as the inspection and the prep under it. Here is what a proper job looks like, from the first walk to the final check.
The five steps
- 01
Inspect and assess
A trained applicator walks the roof, checks for trapped moisture, tests adhesion on the existing surface and looks at drainage, flashings and penetrations. You get a written scope for your roof.
- 02
Prepare the surface
Loose material comes off. Wet or failed areas are cut out and replaced. Fasteners, seams and cracks are repaired, the surface is cleaned, and the right primer goes down for the substrate.
- 03
Detail, then spray
Drains, curbs, vents and edges are detailed first. Then the polyurea is sprayed with heated plural-component equipment into one continuous, fully adhered membrane at the specified thickness.
- 04
Topcoat and check
Where the roof sees direct sun, a UV-stable topcoat goes on if the system calls for one. The crew checks film thickness, walks every detail and cleans up.
- 05
Keep it maintained
Clear drains, keep traffic off where it does not belong and book a periodic inspection. Small damage can be cleaned and re-sprayed in place instead of tearing anything off.
Equipment and training
Why this is not a do-it-yourself job.
Spray polyurea is two liquids that are heated, pumped at pressure and mixed at the gun. Getting the ratio, temperature and thickness right takes proper equipment and a trained operator. So does knowing when a roof is too wet, too cold or too far gone to coat.
Ask any applicator about their training, the product they plan to use and its technical data sheet, and what written terms they provide.
Can polyurea go over my existing roof?
Often, yes. Polyurea can be sprayed over many metal, concrete, single-ply, built-up and spray foam roofs. It has to be the right roof, though. Wet insulation, failed decking and poor adhesion have to be found and fixed first, which is why every job starts with an inspection and adhesion testing.
How long does a polyurea roof last?
It depends on the system, the film thickness, the condition of the roof underneath, the prep, your climate and how the roof is maintained. Ask your applicator for the technical data sheet of the product they plan to use and for the written terms they offer on your roof.
How much does polyurea roof coating cost?
Every roof is quoted after an inspection. Size, condition, access, the amount of repair and prep, detail work and the system chosen all change the number. Request a quote and a trained applicator will scope your roof.
Is polyurea a form of insulation?
No. Polyurea is a protective membrane, not insulation. If you want insulation value on the roof, that comes from spray foam. Polyurea or a compatible coating then protects the foam from weather, traffic and sunlight.
Does polyurea need a topcoat?
Sometimes. Aromatic polyureas are tough but darken and chalk in direct sunlight, so they get a UV-stable topcoat. Aliphatic products hold their color in sunlight and can be used without one. Your applicator will tell you which system fits your roof.
Get your roof looked at.
Tell us about the roof. A trained applicator will follow up to inspect it and scope the work.